What is a Stone Coated Metal Roof? How to Get the Best Roofing Product – and Installation – for Your Utah Home

Utah can have a harsh and unforgiving climate, which is why houses in the Beehive State need to use hard working roofs that can handle anything Mother Nature dishes out. There are a huge variety of materials available to cover your home’s most important protective barrier, each of which works best in a certain environment: for example, you wouldn’t install clay tiles on a home in the Pacific Northwest, as this material cannot handle the constant saturation of frequent rainfall.

While asphalt-coated shingles are one of the most popular options throughout the United States, they are not always the best choice for those who face extremely rough weather on the regular. Utah homeowners need a material that can withstand some serious wear and tear, from scorching hot summers to bitterly cold winters, as well as high winds and heavy snowfall in the more mountainous regions of the state. What could possibly satisfy all of these requirements? Let’s look at a little known material that is the supreme choice for the Mountain West region: stone coated metal roofing.

As the name suggests, this roofing material has a metal core and a fine stone coating

Stone coated metal roofing is usually made of steel, as it is a sturdy metal that will not rust or warp. First, the metal is cut and shaped into the proper shingle form, usually with fastener holes punched into it for easy application. Then, it is coated in a layer of adhesive, after which it is coated with small chips of stone, usually ceramic or granite.

Something interesting about stone coated metal roofing is that, at a glance, you would not be able to tell that there is a metal core inside; in fact, it can look very much like asphalt shingles thanks to the tiny granules of granite or ceramic glued to the top. You can get this material in nearly every natural shade, including some truly beautiful mixes that will lend an air of whimsy to your home. They can also be made to mimic other roofing not well suited to the Utah climate, such as clay tiles, which is perfect for a Mediterranean-style or Spanish Mission style of home.

A number of factors make stone coated metal roofing perfect for Utah

Every area of the United States is a little different regarding climate, weather, and natural disaster risks, and therefore every area needs different roofing materials. Utah in particular is known for drastic temperature shifts, high snowfall in the Rockies, and wildfires in dry seasons; all these factors can be very rough on roofing, so Utah homes need tough exteriors that can handle anything life throws at them.

Stone coated metal roofing is incredibly hardy, and its particular composition makes it impervious to the Utah climate. Because of its metal core, this roofing does not warp and bend as the temperature changes, and the stone coating has been carefully applied with weather-resistant adhesive that won’t crack from dramatic shifts in the thermometer. It can also handle some serious weight without bending, which makes it an excellent option for those who receive a lot of snowfall each year.

In other parts of Utah, dry weather and high temperatures can spark wildfires, which can easily destroy a home not well suited to the climate. Fortunately, stone coated metal roofing is non-combustible which ensures that one stray ember won’t burn your whole roof down.

It’s clear that stone coated metal roofing is one of the best options available for Utah residents and business owners who want a beautiful, functional, and climate-suited material. But how do you find the right Utah roofing contractor with the expertise to skillfully install this unique material? Let’s discuss how you can find a great company to help you re-energize your home.

Stone coated metal roofing is a specialty material and only a few contractors have the expertise

While it’s easy enough to find a good contractor to install asphalt shingles, stone coated metal roofing isn’t as widely available, despite its excellent utility. As such, you will need to look more carefully for a great roofing installer to give your home the beauty and safety it deserves, but don’t despair.

When you’re looking for contractors, be sure to specify that you want a stone coated metal roof; if you’re particular about the type of metal, mention this as well. Ask for examples of previous projects, as well as references of those who have had this style of roof installed by this contractor. Try to find the most recent references of the roofing company, because each technician has a different skill level, and the loss of one highly skilled contractor may entirely change the quality of the projects they complete.

Though it might be hard with a specialty material like stone coated metal roofing, try to gather quotes from other installers as well in order to know that you’re getting a good deal. Finally, make sure that you actually feel comfortable with this contractor and that you trust having them around your property, especially when you’re not around. Your safety and security matters, so never hesitate to turn down a quote from someone with whom you do not feel safe.

With a bit of research, you can have a roof that is perfectly suited to Utah’s tough climate: a roof that works just as hard as you do to keep your home pristine.

 

Kimberly Atwood’s books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Kimberly lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an exceptionally perfect dog, and an attack cat. Before she started writing historical research, Kimberly got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from Ohio State University. After that, just to shake things up, she went to law school at the University of London and graduated summa cum laude. Then she did a handful of clerkships with some really important people who are way too dignified to be named here. She was a law professor for a while. She now writes full-time.

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